I grew up in the 80's and love anything to do with the 80's. As a dancer I absolutely fell in love with Flashdance - The Movie when I saw it for the first time.
The story is of an 18-year old welder, Alex Owens, who's dream is to go to dance school, her evening stint dancing in Harry's Bar does not fulfil her so she is encouraged by her best friend, Gloria to audition. It features the songs "Flashdance... What a Feeling", "Maniac", "Manhunt", "Gloria" and "I Love Rock and Roll".
Joanne Clifton plays Alex, anyone who's a Strictly Come Dancing fan knows she won last year with Ore Oduba and also the Christmas Special with Harry Judd. She is a truly amazing dancer but I wasn't aware she had such a magnificent singing voice and superb acting skills too. I'm always apprehensive when I know the performers have to put on an American accent but Joanne and the whole of the cast were flawless.
Ben Adams plays Nick Hurley, Alex's love interest and Boss's son. Adams was the lead singer of pop group A1 (who I saw on tour a few years ago!) The chemistry between the two was sizzling and they made a very convincing couple.
The ensemble had many different roles including change of character, costume changes and also doubled up as stage hands. Scenery was switched around the stage creating clever backdrops. The dancing was phenomenal and entertaining.
It is a heartwarming story with a very strong dance routines and emotional songs. It had us up on our feet clapping along to the reprise.
Flashdance is on until Saturday 30th September. Go to http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/flashdance/regent-theatre/ to buy your tickets now
